Looking for A Fresh Start?

Do you need help?

• Job Training
• Career Counseling
• Resume Development
• Job Search and Application Assistance
• Interviewing Preparation
• Transportation and Clothing
• One-on-One Mentoring

The Food Assistance Employment and Training Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), may be able to provide the help you need. 

It is available to able bodied Oakland County adults without dependents, ages 18-64, and those that have children 14 and older. Eligible recipients may choose to participate in this program to meet their Time Limited Food Assistance (TLFA) work requirement.

Work Requirements for Food Assistance

Please note, there are new work requirements for program participants who request food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.  (There are deferral exceptions for Native Americans.) 

Recipients must meet at least one of the following federal Time Limited Food Assistance (TLFA) work requirements:

Employment – work at least 80 hours per month (20 hours per week average) or receive monthly average earnings of at least 20 hours per week multiplied by the federal minimum wage. This includes work in exchange for money, including self employment; work in exchange for goods or services (in-kind); or unpaid work (volunteer).

Self-Initiated Community Service – unpaid work for a nonprofit organization in exchange for SNAP benefits. The number of hours must equal the SNAP group’s monthly food assistance benefit amount divided by the state minimum wage.

Participation in a Michigan Works! Agency (MWA) Employment and Training Program – individuals can meet their monthly TLFA work requirement by participating in a workforce training activity through a MWA – 80 hours per month, 20 per week average. The number of hours worked must equal the SNAP group’s monthly food assistance benefit divided by the state minimum wage.

Work Program Exemptions

• Physically or mentally unable to work 20 hours per week
• Receive retirement, survivors or disability insurance due to disability or blindness, or receive Social Security Income or state disability assistance.
• Receive or are an applicant for unemployment benefits
• Participate in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program
• Care for an incapacitated person or child under 14 years of age
• Pregnant
• Victim of domestic violence
• Reside in a household with a child under age of 14.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)